Set for auction, this Ferrari Daytona Spider celebrates a storied past

For connoisseurs of speed and splendour, the revival of Ferrari’s front-engine, soft-top GT ignites a celebration of both aesthetics and heritage. The Ferrari Daytona Spider, crafted in a limited run of just 121 units between 1971 and 1973, has emerged as a collector’s dream, stirring excitement in auction houses with its rare appearances. Although Ferrari typically uses numerical names for their models, enthusiasts have embraced the ‘Daytona’ nickname in homage of Ferrari’s victory at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona race.

Renowned for its V-12 engine and its sleek styling by Pininfarina, the Daytona Spider transcended automotive circles, having featured in films such as ‘The Gumball Rally’ and ‘A Star is Born’. This reverence led to a wave of aftermarket conversions of Daytona Berlinettas to Spider models in the ’80s and ’90s, though these modified versions fetch considerably lower prices than their authentic counterparts, some of which were later restored to their original coupe form. This phenomenon underscores the timeless maxim that a car’s true spirit is paramount.

At the Amelia Island Auctions in Florida, Gooding & Company will showcase a prime example of this Ferrari lineage. David Brynan of Gooding & Company highlights the unique allure of this vehicle, chassis No. 15277, noting its rare Verde Bahram paint—a distinctive, original colour that sets it apart from the more common red or yellow Ferraris. This car’s provenance is equally impressive, including ownership by Buck Fulp of Ferrari’s North American Racing Team.

Boasting a meticulously preserved leather interior and engine bay, this metallic green Daytona Spider, with its beige interior, is estimated to fetch between US$2.5 million and US$3 million. A monument to refined taste, and driven sparingly over the years, this car is a true automotive jewel. As Ferrari unveils the Roma Spider, it rekindles the allure of its iconic fabric-roofed models, blending tradition with innovation. Yet, admiration for the Daytona Spider, a symbol of Ferrari’s storied past, remains undiminished.